Recommended Kayak Carrier for Single 40-lb Kayak on 2015 Subaru Forester with Moonroof and No Rack

Question:

I have a 2015 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium with a moonroof and side rails but no crossbars. I need to carry a single kayak 1000 miles this winter. Since I dont have crossbars, it looks like the best option available to me are the foam block kayak carriers. Would the SR5527 be the best option as opposed to one of the fixed width block carriers like the SR5526 or would you recommend a different product or manufacturer other than Sportrack? The kayak Im looking to purchase is relatively light around 40 pounds so would I have to worry about the weight of the kayak on the moonroof? I couldnt find any specs on the maximum weight for the bare roof or moonroof. Also, how likely are these foam block racks to scratch the paint on the roof and are any of them better in terms of scratch prevention or are they all about the same? Thanks for your help.

asked by: Barry M

Expert Reply:

Foam block kayak carriers are a great option for vehicles without a roof rack. They are very light in weight, cost-effective, and easy to put on and take off. They do not really differ much in terms of scratch potential; the key factor there is getting the bottom of the foam blocks and your car's roof very clean before installation. It is not the foam carrier, but rather any dirt trapped between it and the car, that could cause scratches. On a 1000-mile journey it would be advisable to check for and clean off any dirt/grit that has accumulated on the roof along that trip.

Glass structures like the moon roof on your 2015 Subaru Forester will not carry a weight rating in most instances. Carrying weight is clearly not their intended purpose. A 40-lb kayak is not too heavy as kayaks go but unless you can confirm with your dealership or in your owner's manual that the car's moon roof has at least a 40-lb capacity I do not recommend loading the kayak on it.

A better option for such a long trip is a roof rack. A cost-effective option we offer is a square bar Malone Rack, part # MPG201. On this rack you can use a foam block or other style of kayak carrier, such as a J-style like # TH834 from Thule.

expert reply by: Adam R